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Matilda Chocolate Cake Recipe - The Ultimate Moist Chocolate Cake

This Matilda Chocolate Cake recipe delivers the most decadent, moist, and utterly irresistible chocolate cake inspired by Roald Dahl's beloved story. With a rich chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth and perfect balance of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and sweetness, it creates a signature moist texture that will satisfy any chocolate lover.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3-4 tablespoons milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined. Slowly add the boiling water while mixing on low speed.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk. Add vanilla extract and salt, and beat until light and fluffy.
  7. Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Notes

Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for richest flavor; mix just until combined to avoid tough cake; use room temperature ingredients; boiling water blooms cocoa powder; cool cakes completely before frosting.